Comfort for Christians

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        The Right View

        "My eyes are always on the Lord!" Psalm 25:15

        The Lord directs us to look to Him for all that we need — and look away from all that we fear and all that troubles us. Looking to man dishonors the Lord — and ends in disappointment. Looking to ourselves fills us with gloom, sadness, doubts, and fears. It was wise, therefore, of the Psalmist to keep his eyes fixed steadily and habitually on the Lord.

        Beloved! In all your sufferings, let your eyes be ever on the Lord. Look to Him . . .
          for ease in pain,
          for strength in weakness,
          for comfort in sorrow,
          and for relief in distress.

        Keep your eye fixed on Him as your Father and your God — who has pledged to you in His Word to do you good.

        Looking to the Lord will relieve you, as it is written of some of old: "They looked unto Him — and were lightened." Psalm 34:5. They expected relief and deliverance from the Lord, and they looked to Him for it. He was as good as His word, and they were filled with joy and peace.

        Friends may fail you, relatives may neglect or be unkind to you, and those you love most may be unable to help you — but look to the Lord! He will never fail you or neglect you. He will prove Himself both able and willing to help you.

        Let nothing divert your attention, then, from the Lord — but carry everything to Him, and exercise implicit confidence in Him.

        Cast on Him every care,
        commit to Him every work, and
        lay before Him every difficulty.
        You will prove that He is not only able — but is also willing to do for you "infinitely more than we might ask or think!" Ephesians 3:20.

        Whenever Satan tempts you, or guilty fears torment you — turn your eyes to Calvary and see Jesus, your Savior — suffering, bleeding, and dying for you — and so you will enjoy peace.

        Lord, help me to look to You for all my direction in life, so that I might not be led astray by my deceitful heart. Let me praise You and bring glory to Your Name every moment of my life.

        "My eyes are fixed on You, O Sovereign Lord!" Psalm 141:8

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        The Lord Will Provide

        "And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh (which means 'the Lord will provide')." Genesis 22:14

        The more faith a person has — the heavier the trial required to test it. Heavy trials do not prove that we have no faith. Rather, they indicate that our faith is strong. Genesis 22 gives the account of Abraham's greatest trial — and in it his faith and love shone forth conspicuously. God commanded Abraham to take Isaac, his only son — and offer him as a burnt offering. He gave no reason — and Abraham did not ask for one. He was silent and did what God bade him — ready to suffer what God would lay upon him.

        The lesson Abraham learned, also speaks to us and says, "Do not be afraid to obey God; do not distrust God; He sees where you are, what you are, and what you need — and He will provide, even during the trial of your faith."

        The ram that took Isaac's place on the altar, was ready before Isaac was unbound. Even so we see God's hand in our greatest difficulties, and read God's love in our sorest trials. He would tell us, "Only believe Me when I speak, only trust Me when I work — and all will be well."

        "Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" asked Isaac.

        "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son," replied Abraham.

        "Where is it to come from? How can we be supplied?" questions little-faith.

        "God will provide!" answers the Scripture.

        If we sincerely believe this — then all our fears will depart and our souls will be comforted. God has never found any difficulty in providing for His family yet! Nor was anyone ever disappointed those who trusted in, and waited upon, Him.

        No, nor will there be any difficulty in your case. You will not be disappointed if you wait upon Him. He will honor His own Name in supplying all your needs.

        Beloved! God loves to be trusted. He wants you to trust Him, He gives you opportunities to trust Him, and He will honor the trust you give Him.

        Your duty is to do what God bids — and believe what God says. When you do — God will satisfy you and supply all your needs!

        Help me, dear Lord, to lay what is nearest and dearest to my heart on Your altar, so that You might be glorified in my life.

        "Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You rescued them!" Psalm 22:4

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        Strength as the Day

        "As your days — so shall your strength be!" Deuteronomy 33:25

        Here is a precious promise for a trying day! It belongs to every Christian who is traveling to the Celestial City. It provides for every part of life's journey; for every day — as each day may require.

        It is especially suited to the dark days, the wintry days, and the trying days — when all our earthly props fail us; the days when our fellow man cannot help us.

        Fellow pilgrim! Are you dispirited, depressed, and cast down? Are you looking back upon the past with sorrow — and forward into the future with fear? Cheer up! The Lord will not lay on you more than He will enable you to bear — nor will He allow any other to do so.

        However weak you may feel in yourself,
        however rough the road you may need to travel,
        however heavy the burden you may have to carry —
        God will supply you with sufficient strength for the day.

        He has never allowed you to be crushed yet, though you may have staggered under some heavy burdens. He who has helped you in the past — is still your helper today. He will also help you in all the future. "As your days" — be they as troublous as they may — "so shall your strength be."

        Whether your day brings life or death, joy or trial — it does not matter. God will send you exactly what you need to pass through it. Do not look at your trials, do not dwell on your inability — but lay hold on the promises of God and seek His grace to exercise faith in Him.

        Then let Satan suggest what he pleases, or the flesh object as it may — you will be able to say, "I will not fear; for as my day — so shall my strength be. He who has promised — will also fulfill His promise."

        Blessed Lord, I praise You for this precious promise! Help, oh, help me to trust in it; and day by day as duty or trials may require — enable me to look to You and expect sufficient strength from You!

        "On the day I called — You answered me; You increased strength within me!" Psalm 138:3

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        Trials and Sorrows

        "In the world, you will have many trials and sorrows!" John 16:33

        To be forewarned — is to be forearmed! Our divine Lord here assures His disciples that they will be tried, and teaches them that they must not expect a very smooth path.

        For the New Testament believers, trials generally took the form of persecution, and was so common that the apostle said, "Yes, and all who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution" 2 Timothy 3:12.

        The fires of persecution have mostly burned out, for now at least, in our country. But though persecution decreases — trials and sorrows will remain. The road to the kingdom will always be more or less a rough road. Almost every day something or other will happen to . . .
          try our tempers,
          exercise our graces,
          or distress our minds.

        At times, we shall have many trials and sorrows:
        Within — a violent conflict between the flesh and the spirit.
        Without — vexations, disappointments, heavy losses, or rugged crosses.
        In the body — weakness and pain.
        In the soul — temptation and a thousand fears.
        In the church — much to depress, discourage, and cast us down.
        In the world — enough to make us weep day and night.

        If it were not for . . .
          the comforts of the Holy Spirit,
          the fullness of the Lord Jesus,
          the throne of grace, and
          the prospect of perfect peace and rest in our Father's house
         — we would be of all men, the most miserable!

        But as it is, we make some progress on the rough road. Though we may often sigh — we also raise a song and rejoice in the persuasion that all will end well. When we reach the kingdom — all trials and sorrows will cease — and all will be holy and peaceful forever!

        Heavenly Father, take me to Your house — where there are no more foes, no more fears, no more privations; and, best of all, where there is no more sin or temptation!

        "They strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God!" Acts 14:22

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        Be Still

        "Be still — and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10

        This is God's message to His people, even during the most terrible convulsions of nature, the most cruel wars, and the most painful trials! The Lord reigns and works — even in the most dreadful circumstances!

        The Lord is constantly doing His will, and accomplishing His purposes — and He never forgets His promises.

        Be childlike. Run to your Father's arms and nestle in His bosom! Realize safety in your Father's love and power. He will tenderly . . .
          hold you in the hollow of His hand,
          hide you under His wings, and
          carry you in His bosom as the shepherd does the lamb.

        "Be still," for though painful at present — your trial will soon be over. Know that God is supreme and works all things after the counsel of His own will. Know that God never loses sight of you or forgets your frame and your weakness. Exercise patience, relieve your burdened heart by prayer — and wait in full expectation of a blessing.

        As the darkest cloud, often bears the most fruitful shower — so the darkest circumstances, often usher in the choicest mercies! Only . . .
          yield yourself to God,
          keep close to the loving heart of God,
          and submit to the sovereign will of God.

        Then you will be able to . . .
          carry any cross,
          bear any trial, and
          endure any affliction!

        Be silent, be calm, be still — the Lord rules as King forever!

        Do not complain — for it will displease the Lord.

        Do not murmur — for it will grieve Him.

        Do not fear — for it will dishonor Him.

        Instead, be still — for your safety is provided for.

        Be still — for your needs shall be supplied.

        Be still — for all things shall work together for your good.

        Be still — for God bids you, and all will end well.

        Take me into Your nearness, dear Lord, and help me to be still. Calm my foolish fears and my fearful imaginations. In all of life, help me, O Lord, to be still.

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        Sufficient Grace

        "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

        The grace of God provides all that the believer needs, and is sufficient for every circumstance that we will ever face in life. Human strength will fail — but divine grace cannot. Grace has made us what we are in the Christian life; and grace will continue to make us what God wants us to be, as He works in our lives.

        The grace of God is sufficient . . .
        to subdue every temptation,
        to banish every doubt,
        to fortify us against every fear,
        to enable us . . .
          to conquer every foe,
          to perform every duty, and
          to endure with patience every affliction.

        The grace of God is . . .
          an antidote for all our fears,
          a solace for all our sorrows, and
          a source of joy for all our times of grief!

        Let us, then, come to God for grace in every time of need . . .
          grace to sanctify our afflictions,
          grace to fortify our minds, and
          grace to fill us with joy and peace!

        Never let us ever give way to doubt, or fear, or despondency — since the Lord has assured us that His grace is sufficient for us. Do not allow the tempter to persuade you that God's grace is not for you — for grace is for the unworthy, and the deeper our sense of unworthiness — the more ready He is to share it with us!

        Cheer up, then, my dear tried friend; for there is grace for you, and grace so powerful that it will make you more than a match for all your trials, troubles, and distresses! Lay fast hold of this promise. Believe it, and plead it — and it will be honored in your experience. Thousands of others have proved it true. Martyrs at the stake, prisoners in their dungeons, and believers in the greatest sufferings — have found the grace of Jesus to be sufficient. What it was then — it is now; and what it is now — it ever will be.

        In all the past you have had sufficient grace — and you shall in all the future! Jesus will never fail you nor forsake you; therefore trust in Him.

        My Lord, I know that I am not worthy of Your grace. But I thank You that You have freely given it to me and that it is sufficient for all my needs.

        "But by the grace of God I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        Prayer Heard and Answered

        "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble — and He saved them from their distress!" Psalm 107:79

        This idea is repeated four times in this Psalm; and the truth contained in it is repeated many times in other Scriptures. Trouble drives true believers to the Lord in genuine, fervent prayer.

        When all is smooth and pleasant, we tend to recite our prayers — rather than truly pray to the Lord. Then there is no earnestness or power in our prayers. But when we are laden down with trouble; when we feel that we are in imminent peril; when we see that no one can deliver us but God — then we cry unto the Lord!

        We then feel more than we can say. Our prayers well up from the very depths of our hearts. Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, while our hearts plead with the Lord; and when prayers come from our hearts like this — they always touch the heart of God. We cry — and the Lord saves us out of our distresses!

        Deliverance is certain when faith is exercised and prayer is presented. But how the Lord will deliver us, and when — must be left to Him. It is enough for us to know that He will deliver, and that both His wisdom and His mercy will guide Him in our deliverance.

        In death — our last trouble, when the heart and flesh are failing — we will cry unto the Lord. Then will come our last, our complete deliverance. And what a glorious deliverance it will be! Oh, anticipate it often with confidence and satisfaction!

        Beloved! Sincere prayer prevails now; prayer will prevail in all our future trials and troubles; and prayer will prevail in the hour of death. Let us not yield to doubt or fear; let us not despond or complain; but let us cry unto the Lord in our troubles, and continue to cry, until the day He delivers us out of our distresses and sets us before His face forever!

        "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto You, when my heart is overwhelmed! Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I! For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe!" Psalm 61:1-3

        "Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me!" Psalm 50:15

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        The Cleansing Blood

        "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sins!" 1 John 1:7

        In times of affliction and trouble, the Lord often sets our iniquities before us, revealing our secret sins in the light of His holiness. Then it is, that sin appears exceeding sinful, and we are apt to fix our eye so intently upon our carnal nature and sinful inclinations — that we begin to doubt our acceptance with God, and question if our standing before Him is good.

        This is wrong. The sight of secret sin is intended to lay us in the dust in genuine remorse and sincere repentance. Our forgiveness will exalt the free grace of God — and endear the atoning blood of Christ to us more than ever.

        When, therefore, the sins of our past lives come up before us; or the carnal inclinations of our hearts are revealed to us anew — then we must look at once to the blood of Jesus! That blood, shed for us — has put away the guilt of our sins forever, and has obtained our eternal redemption. And that blood, applied to us when we confessed our sins to God in true repentance — still removes all sense of condemnation, giving us sweet peace and holy confidence in God and strength to walk in victory.

        The blood of the Lamb is for daily use. It cleanses us from all sin: not only once — but every time we exercise faith in it.

        Precious blood of Jesus! Let us fix the eyes of our mind on it, believing that there is infinite merit in it and that, depending upon it — we are delivered at once from all the penal consequences of sin.

        The person who trusts continually in the blood of Christ can never be condemned — but will have everlasting life. He who keeps his eye fixed on the blood of Jesus — will enjoy peace with God and be delivered from all his sins and his slavish fears.

        O Lord, apply the blood to my conscience, and fill me with all joy and peace in believing in its infinite virtue and everlasting effectiveness!

        "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace!" Ephesians 1:7

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        The Blessed Man

        "Blessed is the man you chasten, O Lord — the man you teach from your law!" Psalm 94:12

        The chastenings of the Lord often appear severe — but they are merciful. They . . .
          correct our follies,
          subdue our proud wills, and
          soften and humble our hard hearts before Him.

        When God chastens — He teaches. The lessons are found in His Word — but we never learn many of them — until we go through the furnace! We often learn more truth from one short, sharp affliction — than we do from many books and sermons!

        In affliction, God teaches us . . .
          our own emptiness and vanity,
          our dependence on Himself, and
          the insufficiency of all earthly things!

        In affliction, God . . .
        endears the Lord Jesus and His great salvation to us;
        shows us the value of the provision of grace;
        makes our consciences tender and honest;
        qualifies us for usefulness on earth; and
        fits us for the enjoyment of Himself in Heaven.

        We need chastening. If we do not receive it — we become
          carnal and worldly,
          light and trifling,
          unsavory and useless,
        in both the world and the church. It is a blessed thing to be chastened of the Lord, especially when the rod teaches us such important and invaluable lessons. Chastened Christians are generally useful and attractive Christians.

        But you must not suppose that a Christian is not being chastened, just because you do not witness his correction. The rod is sometimes laid on the body — but more frequently on the soul. The heart knows its own bitterness — when others little suspect what painful chastening it is enduring.

        "Heed the rod — and the One who appointed it!" Micah 6:9. Chastened Christian! Seek grace . . .
          to bear the rod,
          to bless the rod, and
          to kiss the hand that holds the rod!

        Heavenly Father, correct us tenderly and lovingly; and whenever You correct us — let us see Your gracious face!

        "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the chastening of the Almighty!" Job 5:17

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        All for the Best

        "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God — to those who are the called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

        All things? Yes! Everything that happens to the Christian is directed and overruled by God's special Providence, for his good. The experience may be very bitter — it may lay him very low and try him to the core; it may keep him in the dust for a long time. But it will do him good — not only in the end, but also while it lasts.

        Believer, your present trial is for your good. Nothing could be better for you! You may not see it now; you may even feel as if you never could think so — but the time is coming when you will bless God for it!

        You love God — and God loves you with an infinite and eternal love. You came to the cross as a poor sinner — and you looked to the Lord Jesus to be your perfect Savior. This proves that you have been called according to God's purpose. You are one of God's beloved ones, and as such — you may have the assurance that all things . . .
          light and darkness,
          health and sickness,
          hatred and love,
          prosperity and adversity,
          life and death —
        will work together for your good!

        God asserts the fact — and therefore you should believe it. The history of all God's people proves and illustrates it — and therefore you should rejoice in it.

        Dark clouds bring rich blessings — and sharp winters introduce fruitful springs. Even so, sore troubles often precede the sweetest consolations. Your present affliction — whether it is . . .
          sickness of body,
          trouble of mind,
          bereavements,
          losses,
          crosses, or
          whatever else
         — is working for your good. It will work for good in the future — and it is working for good now. While your heart is bleeding, and you are tempted to think that all is against you — all is working together for your good!

        Dear Lord, I do not see how my affliction can be good for me. But help me, Lord, to accept it as such by faith — so that I may receive what You have for me through it.

        "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope!" Romans 5:3-4

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        Comfort for the WIDOW

        "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5

        The widow often feels destitute and desolate; and when she most needs sympathy from others — she often experiences it least. The God of Israel is the widow's God. He offers to be her husband — to fill the husband's place, and perform the father's part. He says, "Let your widows trust in Me." It is as if He had said, "I am able . . .
          to supply all the widow's needs,
          to crush all the widow's foes,
          to sanctify all the widow's sorrows, and
          to fill the widow's heart with comfort and peace!
        Let her ask Me to do so; let her trust Me to do so; let her expect Me to do so!"

        My widowed sister! carry an that pains your heart or depresses your spirit — to Jesus! Look to Jesus through your tears, and for the supply of all your needs. And if enemies arise, if man would oppress you — go to Jesus as the judge: He will listen to you, take your case in hand, carry your cause for you, and even turn man's curse into a blessing. Take your poor fatherless children to Him — put them into His hands, ask Him to adopt them for His own, to manage them for you, and make them holy, honorable, and useful — a comfort to you, and a blessing to others.

        You cannot ask too much of Jesus — nor expect too much from Jesus! He will love to hear you; He will kindly listen to you; He will value your confidence; He will crown and reward your faith. Fret not, fear not — but put Jesus in your husband's place, and expect Him to do a husband's part. Believe these precious words: "Your Maker is your husband; the Lord Almighty is His name: and your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth." Jesus loves . . .
          to hear the widow's voice,
          to sympathize with the widow's sorrows,
          and to answer the widow's prayers.

        "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all unto Me — I will surely hear their cry!" Exodus 22:32, 23

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        Comfort for the POOR

        "Hearken, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5

        Poverty is not spirituality — but sanctified poverty is a great friend to it!

        Poverty is no sin — but it is sometimes a preventive to sin.

        Poverty has its temptations — but it has also its consolations.

        The poor ought not to repine at poverty — because God in his infinite wisdom has appointed it, and is able to render it the greatest blessing. God's chosen are generally found among the poor. Not that He chose them because they were poor; but choosing them in Christ — He appointed poverty as the best thing for them!

        God's enemies have their full portion in this life — here, they have their good things. Not so with God's children! Here on earth, they have their evil things — and the best things are yet to come!

        The poor Christian has . . .
        a rich Father in whom to trust;
        the fullness of Jesus to supply him;
        the precious promises on which to depend;
        the Holy Spirit to be his Comforter; and a
        glorious inheritance to anticipate and forever dwell in!

        All Christians are "heirs of the kingdom" —
        the kingdom of grace here — and of glory hereafter;
        the kingdom in which Jesus will reign;
        the kingdom where they will be princes — yes, kings and priests;
        the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world!

        My poor brother — my poor sister! Look up! Look forward!

        Your cottage will soon be exchanged for a mansion!

        Your sickness will soon be exchanged for health!

        Your poverty will soon be exchanged for wealth!

        Your sin will soon be exchanged for perfect holiness!

        Your earth will soon be exchanged for Heaven!

        You will not always be poor! You will not be poor for long! Jesus will soon come — and then you will reign with Him!

        For you — an inheritance is reserved in Heaven!

        For you — a mansion is being prepared!

        For you — glory, honor, immortality, even eternal life, are in reserve!

        Blessed Father, help me not to desire the riches of earth. Help me rather to lay up treasures in Heaven with You.

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Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        Comfort for the AGED

        "Now that I am old and gray — do not abandon me, O God!" Psalm 71:18

        Old age and its infirmities will creep in on us; and with old age come weakness, pains, and fears. But an aged Christian should be a happy person; for he has proved the Lord to be faithful so many years, he has had answers to prayer so many times, and the God of his youth stands pledged never to leave nor forsake him. Will the Lord forsake an old servant? Never! Will the Father of mercies forsake one of His children when compassed with the infirmities of old age! Impossible! No, no! The Lord, who has borne with us so long — will bear with us to the end. The Lord, who has glorified Himself in our life — will get glory to Himself in our death.

        As the God of all comfort, He will comfort us on the bed of languishing, and will make all our bed in our sickness; and when heart and flesh are failing — He will be the strength of our heart, and our portion forever!

        Aged believer — doubt not, fear not! God has given you His Word — trust it. He has confirmed His Word by the death of His Son — therefore exercise confidence in Him. He has been a Friend and a Father to you for many years; and He will be your Friend and Father to the very last!

        Be much with Him in prayer. With all the simplicity of a little child — let your requests be made known unto Him. He has grace for old age — as He had for youth; and He has grace for a dying bed — as He had grace for all the conflicts of life. Believe His word, rest in His love, expect His blessing to the end — and you shall be more than a conqueror through Him who loved you. God never loved you more than He does now in your weakness, pains, and old age; and — sweet thought! — He will never love you less! His love is infinite, everlasting. Having loved you — He loves you to the end!

        Father in Heaven, I thank You for the mercies of my life. Help me to trust You through to the end of my life — in spite of my weakness and human frailty.

        "Even to your old age and gray hairs — I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you!" Isaiah 46:4

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[nChrist]

Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        Mourning Ended

        "The days of your mourning shall be ended!" Isaiah 60:20

        Sighing and sorrow are confined to earth. They are limited by time, and a blessing is pronounced upon them: "Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted." Every believer is a mourner. We mourn over . . .
          our imperfect duties,
          our feeble graces,
          our neglected privileges, and
          our many shortcomings.

        We mourn because our hearts are unholy, and our lives are sinful! We mourn because our children and friends are unconverted. We mourn because we suffer — but more because we sin. How much there is in the world, in the church, in the family, and in the heart — to make us mourn? We groan, being burdened!

        But soon, very soon, the mourning days of God's people will be ended. All sin and all sorrow will be left on earth, when we ascend to Heaven. Then all our tears will be wiped away; every cause of sorrow will be removed; and joy, peace, and pleasures will be our portion forever!
        Then we shall be made perfect in love;
        then we shall be filled with holiness;
        then we shall enjoy full satisfaction;
        then we shall reap in joy — who have sown in tears!

        Let us, then, look upward and look forward; remembering, when our cup is bitterest, our burden is heaviest, and our sorrow is greatest — that in a very little time — the days of our mourning will be ended! The night of sadness will soon be past — and the morning of joy, everlasting joy, will break upon us! Then there shall be no more pain, neither sorrow nor crying. Then, perfect in knowledge, perfect in holiness, and perfect in happiness — we shall be forever with the Lord. Then we shall . . .
          see Jesus,
          be with Jesus, and
          be like Jesus —
        and that forever!

        Help me to look upward and forward, Lord. And help me to remember, when my cup is bitterest, my burden heaviest, and my sorrow greatest — that in a very little time the days of my mourning will be ended, and the night of sadness past.

        Everlasting joy, follows the sorrows of a day! "Everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away!" Isaiah 51:11

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[nChrist]

Comfort for Christians
From Timeless Grace Gems
31 Day Devotional By James Smith, 1850s

        No More Pain!

        "God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4

        How much pain many of the Lord's people are called to suffer — and how severe that pain often is! It spoils or prevents the enjoyment of everything earthly.

        But, blessed child of God, spiritual things may be enjoyed even while much pain is being endured. The light of God's countenance, the application of some precious promise, or the sweet communion we are privileged to enjoy with Jesus — almost raises us above the sense of pain! The sufferer who rejoices with God — feeds like a hungry man on the rich promises of grace, and triumphs in Christ Jesus as his Savior and Friend.

        But there are times when pain is hard to bear — when our spirits are exhausted and we are sorely tempted to doubt the pity and tender love of our Heavenly Father. Then it is sweet to look forward to the place, and anticipate the time — when God will wipe every tear from our eyes — and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!

        Suffering Christian! Your pain will soon end — and your sufferings will soon be over! Jesus will come and fetch you from . . .
          your bed of pain,
          your chamber of affliction,
          and your house of mourning!
        Absent from the body — you will be present with the Lord. Seek grace from the Lord to suffer patiently. There is an end of every pain, and soon you will bless the Lord for the very pains which now cause you to sigh and groan! The songs of Heaven will be sweetened by the groans of earth; and the pleasures of eternity will be heightened by the pains of time!

        Every pain endured — leaves one less pain to suffer. And every hour that passes — brings us one hour nearer to the time when the ransomed of the Lord shall leave behind this land of darkness and death, and go home to their Father's house with everlasting joy, while sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away!

        Lord Jesus, You too suffered pain on earth, and I know that You understand what I am suffering now. Give me grace to suffer graciously, as You did — so that this experience might do its part in preparing me to be with You in eternity!

        "You will weep no more!" Isaiah 30:19

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